Khums Made Simple: What It Is, Who Pays It, and Why It Matters
Khums is often mentioned in conversations about faith and finances, yet many Muslims feel uncertain about how it applies to them.
Some are unsure whether they are required to pay it, while others struggle to understand its purpose or significance.
When clarity is missing, khums can feel distant rather than meaningful.
This guide is here to help.
Khums is a system ordained by Allah (swt) to purify wealth, promote justice, and strengthen the global community.
By the end of this article, khums should feel clearer, more grounded, and easier to approach.
What is Khums?
Khums is one of the branches of religion and is a wajib financial obligation in Islam.
The word “khums” means one-fifth.
Practically, khums is 20 percent of surplus wealth that remains after necessary living expenses have been covered over the course of a year.
This surplus may come from savings, additional income, or profits that were not required for essentials such as housing, food, transportation, or daily needs.
Khums is not taken from what you depend on for living. It applies only to what remains unused.
The obligation of khums is established in the Quran.
Allah (swt) says:
“Know that whatever of a thing you acquire (as wealth), a fifth (khumus) of it is for Allah (swt), for the Messenger (saww), for the near relative (i.e., the Imam from the Prophet’s progeny), the orphans, the needy and the stranded traveller (from the Prophet’s progeny).”
Surah Anfal, Verse 41
This verse shows that khums is rooted in faith, responsibility, and care for others.
Imam Al-Baqir (as) explained this verse further when he said:
“It (verse 41 from Surah al-Anfal) refers to the relatives of the Messenger of Allah (saww). Al-Khums (one fifth) belongs to Allah (saww), the Messenger (saww) and to us.”
Al-Kafi, v.1
Together, the ayah and the hadith clarify the authority, recipients, and purpose of khums in Islam.
More Than a Payment, A Path to Purification
Khums is more than a financial contribution. It is an act of worship that shapes how believers relate to their wealth.
By giving khums, a person recognises that their provision ultimately comes from Allah (swt).
This act purifies wealth, encourages gratitude, and helps prevent excess from becoming a source of imbalance or attachment.
Khums also connects individual responsibility to the well-being of the global community by supporting knowledge, leadership, and those facing hardship.
Who Pays Khums?
Khums is not limited to scholars or people with high incomes.
Who pays khums depends on whether surplus wealth remains, not on how much someone earns.
If, at the end of your khums year, you have wealth left after covering necessary expenses, khums applies to that surplus.
If nothing remains, there is no khums obligation for that year.
This approach ensures fairness and flexibility based on personal circumstances.
What is Khums Required Upon?
According to Ayatollah Sistani’s (ha) rulings, khums is required upon seven categories of wealth:
- Surplus income from earnings and gains, including unused items
- Mined products and minerals
- Treasures
- Halal wealth mixed with haram wealth
- Precious stones obtained from the sea by diving
- Spoils of war
- Land that a dhimm purchases from a Muslim
A dhimm refers to a person from the People of the Book who has entered into an agreement granting them protected status within an Islamic society.
For most people today, khums applies primarily to surplus income and savings.
How Khums Works and How It Is Divided
Khums is divided into two equal portions, each with a define role: Sehme Imam and Sehme Sadaat.
Together, these two portions reflect the thoughtful and balanced design of khums.
Sehme Imam
The first portion is Sehme Imam, which represents the share of Imam Mahdi (ajtfs).
During the Imam’s occultation, this portion is administered under the permission and guidance of qualified religious authorities.
It is used in ways believed to be pleasing to the Imam (ajtfs), including supporting poor and needy believers, responding to emergencies such as natural disasters or conflict, spreading the teachings of Islam, and sustaining scholars who dedicate their lives to education and guidance.
Sehme Imam also supports religious institutions, seminaries, teachers, and students, ensuring the continuity of Islamic learning across the world.
Sehme Sadaat
The second portion is Sehme Sadaat, which is allocated to needy descendants of Prophet Muhammad (saww).
This system allows support to be given with dignity and respect, while meeting genuine needs.
How is Khums Calculated?
Khums is calculated once each year based on a khums date selected by the individual.
This date can follow the Gregorian calendar or the Islamic calendar.
For example, some people choose January 1st each year, while others select a date such as the first of Muharram.
On your khums date, you review what remains from the past year after necessary expenses.
Twenty percent (20%) of that surplus is the khums due.
If you are unsure how to calculate your khums, you can seek assistance from your marja’s office or a trusted scholar.
You can also calculate your khums amount using our Khums calculator.
How do I Pay Khums?
Khums can be paid in a few recognized ways:
- Directly to your marja or their authorized representative
- Through a trusted organization that holds ijaza to collect khums on behalf of your marja
Work connected to The Zahra Trust shows how khums supports education, religious leadership, and vulnerable families across the global community.
The Real-World Impact of Khums
When khums is fulfilled with understanding and intention, its effects are far-reaching.
It supports scholars, sustains centres of learning, and assists families facing hardship while preserving dignity.
Across different regions, khums quietly strengthens faith, knowledge, and care for those most in need.
FAQ
Khums in Islam is a wajib obligation that requires one-fifth of surplus wealth to be given for specific divinely designated purposes.
Anyone who has surplus wealth remaining at the end of their khums year is required to pay khums.
Khums is calculated once a year on a chosen date by reviewing surplus wealth and giving 20% of that amount.
No. Khums applies based on surplus wealth, not income level.
Khums is divided into two equal parts. One portion, known as Sehme Imam, is used under the guidance of qualified religious authorities to support religious education, scholars, institutions, humanitarian needs, and the propagation of Islam. The other portion, Sehme Sadaat, supports needy descendants of the Prophet (saww) with dignity and care.
You can contact your marja’s office or speak with a trusted scholar for personal guidance. You can also use our calculator to determine your khums.
